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- Allow all citizens, including those active in the media,
civil society, and political parties to enjoy the rights to free
expression and association guaranteed by the International Covenant on
Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the African [Banjul] Charter on
Human and People’s Rights, to which the DRC is a party.
- Direct agents of security forces to comply with the laws
of the DRC and the United Nations Code of Conduct for Law Enforcement
Officials, and hold accountable those who fail to do so.
- Amend laws that unreasonably interfere with freedom of
expression and the media. In particular the DRC should remove the offense
of criminal defamation, and allow those who believe they have been
unjustly damaged by untrue statements or writing of others to pursue civil
remedies.
- Investigate promptly attacks and threats against
journalists and human rights defenders, with a view to prosecuting alleged
offenders where possible.
- Resume the trial of those accused of the murder of Pascal
Kabungulu, and bring to trial those accused of murdering Franck Ngyke and
Hélène Mpaka.
- Respect the rights and reputation of others, in accordance
with Congolese law and international human rights standards.
- Ensure that all campaigning, monitoring and journalistic
reporting is conducted in a transparent manner and not subject to undue
influence by political parties.
- Urge the Congolese government to ensure that all citizens,
including those active in the media, civil society, and political parties,
enjoy the rights to free expression and association guaranteed by the
ICCPR.
- Urge the Congolese government to ensure that the conduct
of the police and security forces is such as to ensure a climate free from
fear, where all citizens will be able to exercise the right to a free and
informed choice in the upcoming elections.
- Increase the number of election monitors sent by the
European Commission and various donor nations.
- Establish, in co-ordination with the MONUC human rights
division, an election monitoring unit in the near future that will include
a specific focus on issues related to freedom of expression. Provide for
monitors to report promptly and publicly on any violations of the rights
of citizens, including the rights to free expression and association.
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